Attractions and Places To See around Opwijk - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Opwijk include a blend of natural features, historical landmarks, and cultural points of interest. The region is characterized by its ancient forests, significant waterways, and historical sites. Opwijk and its surroundings offer opportunities for exploring remnants of former coal forests and picturesque river bends. The area provides a diverse landscape for outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Opwijk
- The most popular attractions is Kravaalbos Forest, a forest that is a remnant of the former Coal Forest. It is known for its vibrant colors in autumn and purple bluebells in spring, and a large part is protected as a nature reserve.
- Another must-see spot is Schelde Bend at Sint-Amands, a river bend considered particularly beautiful. It is recognized for the moment when the current briefly stands still between tides, offering scenic views.
- Visitors also love Ship Haulers Bridge, Denderleeuw, a bridge over the Dender River that is part of the Schiptrekkers cycle route. It commemorates the historical profession of "ship haulers" who pulled ships along the river.
- Opwijk is known for its natural features, historical landmarks, and cultural points of interest. The area offers a variety of places to explore, from ancient forests to significant waterways and historical sites.
- The attractions around Opwijk are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 300 upvotes and 19 photos shared.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Ship Haulers Bridge, Denderleeuw
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Kravaalbos Forest
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A must to wander around in this forest.
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Schelde Bend at Sint-Amands
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Did you know that you can do ‘bank hopping’ here? With the triangular ferry Mariekerke - Moerzeke - Sint-Amands you will be on the other side in no time. In short: it is pure enjoyment in Puurs-Sint-Amands!
Need more triggers to discover the Scheldt region? Click through to scheldeland.be/puurs-sint-amands
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Sint-Goriks and Magdalenakerk Kobbegem
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Due to all kinds of destruction by war, the Saint-Gorik chapel disappeared and was added to the Magdalena chapel.
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Hoogpoort Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
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Tips from the Community
The Hoogpoort Castle is a castle in the Flemish Brabant town of Asse, located at Hoogpoort 6-8. On the Figurative Map of the goods of 't hoff te Vrythout ende de hooge Poorte from 1718, there is mention of a prominent country house. In 1749, the property was owned by Barbara Leyniers. In 1831, the house, together with the surrounding 34 ha, was owned by Joseph Leyniers. His widow sold it in 1840 to notary Joseph Crick. He enlarged the property to 177 ha and also acquired the IJzenbeekmolen. Around 1860, he had most of the buildings of Hoogpoort demolished and probably only the old country house was preserved. He died in 1876 and his son, Prosper Crick, renovated and enlarged this house in the early 1890s. In 1905, the estate came to René Florin. In 1908, he had a neoclassical castle built near the old house. This was surrounded by a forest of 4.5 ha and the straight paths were converted into winding paths. The forest is home to woodbine, wild garlic and woodloosifolia. It is this castle that still exists. ( https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasteel_Hoogpoort )
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The church of Kobbegem is an oriented, Gothic pseudo-basilica, dating back to the end of the fourteenth century or the beginning of the fifteenth. The church is located in a bend in the climbing street and is surrounded by a walled cemetery to this day. The cemetery wall is built of brick on a sandstone base and has bluestone cover plates; bluestone gate pillars with crowning ball ornaments; concentrically constructed cemetery with a large variety of gravestones; to the right of the entrance is the monument for the fallen. The church was protected as a monument by Royal Decree of 25 March 1938. ( https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/76795 )
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Spectacular sunset over the Schelde river in the spring and summer months.
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beautiful views, easy country roads, extension possible in the Kravaal forest
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Beautiful, quiet forest. Some very muddy passages due to the persistent rain of the last months.
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Varied forest, beautiful paths that can sometimes be muddy. Furthermore, the forest feels rather wild, fallen trees are only removed on narrower paths if the passage is too much hindered. Much attention is also paid to ensuring that the permanent forest inhabitants can do their thing as undisturbed as possible.
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This climb is on a beautiful road between the fields. You can also clearly see the course of this road. The climb in the beginning is nice. Then you come to a bend where you can catch your breath and then start the last part up. is located on a beautiful road between the fields. You can also clearly see the course of this road. The climb in the beginning is nice. Then you come to a bend where you can catch your breath and then start the last part up.
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The quiet village centre of Kobbegem near Asse, where we only find a few large farms, a cottage from 1747, the rectory, the church, a few smaller farms, a dairy that has since disappeared and a modernised brewery known for its heavy and tasty beer Mort-Subite. On the roof of this famous brewery a finely carved weather vane swings back and forth with a deer on a globe. An environment with peace and nostalgia (Pasar)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Opwijk?
The region offers several beautiful natural spots. The Kravaalbos Forest is an ancient forest, a remnant of the former Coal Forest, known for its vibrant autumn colors and purple bluebells in spring. Another must-see is the picturesque Schelde Bend at Sint-Amands, where the river current briefly stands still between tides, offering scenic views and opportunities for 'bank hopping' via ferry.
Are there any historical landmarks or cultural sites to visit near Opwijk?
Yes, you can discover historical and cultural points of interest. The Ship Haulers Bridge, Denderleeuw, over the Dender River, commemorates the historical profession of 'ship haulers' who pulled vessels along the river. A heritage sign on the bridge tells their story. Additionally, the Sint-Goriks and Magdalenakerk Kobbegem is a picturesque rural church with a rich history, reflecting centuries of additions and renovations.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Opwijk?
Opwijk and its surroundings are ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy gravel biking, cycling, and running. For gravel biking, explore routes like the 'Gravel trail near Kravaalbos' or the 'Gertruidepad – Gravel Path to Notstraat loop'. Cyclists can take on the 'Scheldt Riverside Trail' or the 'View of the Valley – Oudebaan' loop. Runners have options such as the 'Kravaalbos — Gravel Path' or the 'Hiking Node 704 loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking around Opwijk, Cycling around Opwijk, and Running Trails around Opwijk guides.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Opwijk area?
Absolutely. The Schelde Bend at Sint-Amands is considered family-friendly, offering beautiful river views and the unique experience of 'bank hopping' by ferry. Exploring the varied paths of the Kravaalbos Forest can also be a delightful family outing, especially during autumn or spring.
When is the best time to visit Opwijk for outdoor activities?
The Kravaalbos Forest is particularly stunning in autumn for its vibrant colors and scents, and in spring when purple bluebells bloom. Generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural beauty of the region. The Schelde Bend at Sint-Amands also offers spectacular sunsets during the spring and summer months.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hiking and cycling routes around Opwijk?
The terrain around Opwijk is diverse. For instance, the Kravaalbos Forest features varied paths, some of which can be muddy, maintaining a wild feel with fallen trees. Cycling routes like the Hoogpoort Climb offer scenic roads between fields with an average gradient of 5.3% over 0.7 kilometers, providing a mix of flat and challenging sections.
Are there any viewpoints in the Opwijk area?
Yes, the Schelde Bend at Sint-Amands is a notable viewpoint, offering serene views of the meandering Scheldt River, especially at the mausoleum of village poet Emile Verhaeren. The Hoogpoort Climb also provides scenic vistas from its elevated position between the fields.
What are some unique aspects of the Kravaalbos Forest?
The Kravaalbos Forest is an ancient forest, a remnant of the former Coal Forest, and a large part of it is protected as a nature reserve. It's known for its vibrant colors in autumn and purple bluebells in spring. The forest maintains a wild feel, with fallen trees often left undisturbed to support its natural inhabitants, and its varied paths can sometimes be muddy, adding to its natural charm.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the attractions?
While specific cafes or pubs directly adjacent to every highlight are not detailed, the broader Oost-Vlaanderen region, including Opwijk, has updated its cycling network to highlight points of interest, which often include local establishments. For example, some cycling routes like 'Café Bij Stinne – Gravel Path in Kravaalbos loop from Opwijk' suggest that local cafes are integrated into the outdoor experience.
What is the significance of the Ship Haulers Bridge?
The Ship Haulers Bridge, Denderleeuw, is a bicycle bridge over the Dender River that commemorates the historical profession of 'ship haulers'. These individuals, including women and children, used to pull ships along the river with ropes and horses. A heritage sign on the bridge tells their story, honoring their important role in the region's history.
Are there any challenging climbs for cyclists in the area?
Yes, cyclists looking for a challenge can tackle the Hoogpoort Climb. This climb is 0.7 kilometers long, covering 37 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 5.3%. It's located on a beautiful road between fields, offering a rewarding experience for intermediate cyclists.
What makes the Schelde Bend at Sint-Amands special?
The Schelde Bend at Sint-Amands is considered one of the most beautiful bends in the Scheldt River. It gained recognition from the series 'Stille Waters' and is known for the unique moment when the current briefly stands still between tides. Along its banks, you can find the mausoleum of village poet Emile Verhaeren, offering serene views of the meandering river.
Most popular attractions around Opwijk
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